Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful magnet that uses simple radio waves to take pictures of your brain.
- You will be positioned on your back on the scanner bed and made to feel as comfortable as possible.
- The scanner bed will be moved inside a large tube so that your head and your chest are inside, but you will be able to see out into the room by your feet.
- Different MRI scans make different rhythmic, knocking noises. Since it can be loud, you will be given ear plugs and/or headphones to reduce noise.
- There is a speaker and a microphone in the scanner so that you can talk to the MRI technician if there is something you need.
- Some people may feel a tingling sensation briefly during the scan, but the scan should not be painful.
- Once the scan starts, you will need to lie still since moving around will interfere with taking pictures of your brain. You will be able to end the scan at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
- While in the scanner, you may be asked to rest quietly, listen to music, watch a movie or do some simple tasks. Each AABC MRI scan lasts about 1 hour.
If you are curious what the MRI will be like or worried if you will be able to complete it, we can guide you through an MRI simulation using a “mock” or pretend MR scanner. This will help you understand what MR scanning will be like and help you learn how to stay still in the scanner. It will also give you a good idea of whether you will be able to successfully complete the scans.
For more information check out the MRI Fact Sheet from Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Washington University.
Is the MRI safe?
To make sure it is safe for you to be scanned, you will be screened by MRI-certified staff at your study site, including evaluation of metallic or electronic objects in your body such as medical implants, tattoos, devices placed in your uterus (such as an IUD), etc. Each AABC site has their own specific screening forms and workflows to reduce the risks of MR imaging. We will review what devices you have and inform you of these risks, but in general, these risks could be:
- Heating or movement of the device
- Device malfunction
- Damage to the tissue that surrounds the device
Everyone is asked to change into metal-free clothing such as scrubs, and given cushions and blankets to be as comfortable as possible.